The Department of Germanic, Slavic, and Semitic Studies offers programs of study leading to the B.A. in German and the B.A. in Slavic languages and literatures. Please see the Comparative Literature Program for M.A. and Ph.D. degree emphasis in Germanic languages and literature. Students in each program acquire an appropriate linguistic background in lower-division courses, study the historical development of the language, and are exposed to the modern language in most upper-division classes. The curriculum for each program is designed to provide a thorough survey of the literature.

Two years of Hebrew language courses are offered, with additional offerings in literature.

Qualified students majoring in German may spend their junior year at the University’s Education Abroad Center at Göttingen. In addition, there are opportunities for students to study for a semester in Pottsdam, Göttingen, or Berlin. Qualified students majoring in Slavic languages and literatures are strongly encouraged to study abroad. As of 2011, the University of California is affiliated with CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange), which sponsors a variety of programs for the summer, including a single semester or an academic year at St. Petersburg State University.

Undergraduate and graduate students have access to staff and faculty advisors throughout their studies. Students with a bachelor’s degree in German or Slavic languages and literatures who are interested in pursuing a California Teaching Credential should contact the credential advisor in the Graduate School of Education as soon as possible.

Senior Honors Program in German–Requirements

Students may request nomination for the senior honors program by filing an application form, or they may be nominated by faculty. Qualifying requirements include an overall grade-point average of at least 3.0, with 3.5 in the German major, and at least 105 units completed, including at least two upper-division courses in German.

To earn departmental senior honors, students will work with a professor of their choice for two quarters to complete a senior thesis, while receiving course credit for German 197 (Senior Honors Project). No more than 4 units of 197 credits may be applied to the major requirements. Students who complete departmental honors will receive the notation of “Distinction in the Major” on both official transcripts and their diploma. Students interested in departmental honors should consult with the undergraduate advisor.

Senior Honors Program in Slavic–Requirements

Students may request nomination for the senior honors program by filing an application form, or they may be nominated by faculty. Qualifying requirements include an overall grade-point average of at least 3.0, with 3.5 in the Slavic languages and literatures major, and at least 105 units completed, including at least two upper-division courses in the Slavic undergraduate program.

To earn departmental senior honors, students will work with a professor of their choice for two quarters to complete a senior thesis, while receiving course credit for Slavic 197. No more than 4 units of 197 credits may be applied to the major requirements. Students who complete departmental honors will receive the notation of “Distinction in the Major” on both official transcripts and their diploma. Students interested in departmental honors should consult with the undergraduate advisor.